I might be a little early and maybe I can blame it on the recent snow days here in Louisiana….but I began the packing process for Rock N Roll New Orleans over the weekend. (I honestly think I’m just going stir crazy.) I like to be prepared, but I don’t usually start packing until a few days before a race!
Today, I’m going to share my packing methods for a race that doesn’t involve a flight. This will be a two-parter with the second post focusing on packing for a race that involves a flight.
My packing process always begins with a list! I’m super paranoid – I like to write everything down so I don’t forget anything. Inevitably, if it’s not on the list I won’t remember to pack it.
I like to separate my list off into three separate columns: Race Day Needs, Post-Race Items, and Non-Racing Essentials.
Race Day Items:
- Race Shirt
- Race Bottoms/Skirt/Shorts, etc
- Socks
- Shoes
- Garmin and charger
- Camera and charger
- iPhone holder
- GU
- Atomic Balm
- Knee sleeve
- BioFreeze sample packs
- Foam Roller/Rumble Roller
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Headphones
- Extra safety pins
- Breakfast/tea
- Sweaty Band
- Throw away items
My favorite part about not flying? I can bring whatever I want, including my entire race bag and my full size rumble roller! For a look inside my race bag, check out this post.
Post Race Items:
- Compression tights
- Chocolate milk
- Clothes to change into
- Comfortable shoes
Non-Racing Items
- Day clothes
- Pajamas
- Chargers for iPhone, camera, and Garmin
- Cosmetics, face wash and makeup
- Brush, toothbrush, toothpaste
- Perfume and deodorant
- Pillow (I like to make sure I’m going to be comfortable the night before a big race)
- Cross-body purse
- Zensah Compression Sleeves
- Nail polish
- Food items – water, fruit, tea
Part of “bringing whatever I want” along on this trip includes fruit, snack items, and water! When flying, everything is so compact and neatly organized in the tightest space possible, it’s nearly impossible to bring along fruit and other perishable items (for me, anyway).
I’m going to use the remainder of the week to finish packing and then the real fun can begin – race weekend!!
Did I leave anything out? What else do you bring along for a destination race weekend when a flight isn’t involved?
I have a question for ya: I live in Texas where you never know if its going to be hot or cold and its been cold the past few days when Ive gone running...what are you favorite running when its cold items to stay warm?
ReplyDeleteAh yes, Southwest Louisiana here so I completely feel you!! When it's cold, I like to wear ear warmers, layers, gloves, tights, and two pair of socks. We don't usually have these crazy winter storm conditions so I've never run outside in anything like this. Last Thursday when this blew through, I stuck to the treadmill....which I HATE! Haha. Great question, thank you!! :D Stay warm!!!
DeleteI also carry Ziplock bags (never know what they might be used for) and plastic grocery bags (for dirty clothing and shoes) for the trip home.
ReplyDeleteZiplocks! YES! Thanks for the suggestion, Pam! This is great, especially if you are leaving to return home right after the race! Great idea!!
DeleteVery thorough list! I love non-flight race packing as well for the same reason you mentioned. It's so much more justifiable to 'over pack' + you can bring all your food/fuel.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of foam roller is that with all the spikes? It looks painful! lol
OMG that's a Rumble Roller. It was a gift from Santa. It's the most painful foam roller I've ever owned in my life but I love it. Hah! It's helped with my IT Band pain and it doesn't break down as fast as my other foam rollers. I agree, bringing as much stuff as you want is definitely a great perk of non-flight travel! :D
DeleteI've never been to a race where I've had to fly. So I wouldn't know how to pack lol! I always bring whatever I want! :-)
ReplyDeleteToo funny! It is a bit trickier! :D
DeleteGreat list! I always try to bring a water bottle no matter if I am flying or driving... it keeps me inspired to drink water :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful idea! For me, if it's out of sight it's out of mind...so having a water bottle handy is great!
DeleteI always bring a lot more when I don't have to fly (even if I am staying for a shorter amount of time). But I certainly don't stress about it as much because I know if I forget something, I have a car to drive to the store! Last year during a destination race I actually forgot to pack pajamas! Can you believe that?
ReplyDeleteThat's so true! Haha whoops on the pajamas...I've done that before! :0)
DeleteI love driving to races. It totally makes it packing way easier! Have fun and good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it sure does! Thanks Sarah!
DeleteThis is great, Karen! I am working on a post about packing as well - do you mind if I include a link to your post in mine? I think in compliments nicely!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alicia! I don't mind at all! :0)
DeleteLove how super organized you are :) I make lists like this before I go on vacation, I have yet to go to a destination race :(
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah! I have to be organized because my brain is not...if it's not written down or if it's not in front of my face, I will forget completely. Not good...
DeleteI'm jealous of your non-fly packing list. Even if a flight isn't a part of my race-cation, some sort of public transportation is involved since I don't have a car. So, I still need to pack conservatively (aka whatever I can carry all at once).
ReplyDeleteCompletely understand!
DeleteI can't imagine traveling by car! That would be wonderful. I always bring an extra set of headphones. I've had issues before and there goes music for your race. I too love your foam roller ;)
ReplyDeleteOoh very good idea, Sarah! Thanks! :0)
DeleteI have never flown to a race before so I am going to have to find a way to make it all fit on the plane.
ReplyDeleteYou will!! Best of luck packing, Abby! Can't wait!
DeleteI'm driving to Disney Princess next month and I am sooooo excited about being able to bring my foam roller! Great list, I'll definitely be using this!
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, don't you love it?! Thanks so much! :0)
DeleteWhen we did Disneyland last summer, I had two friends coming from LA, two driving in from Vegas and me from Orange County. You should have seen the crap we were all dragging into the hotel! They had a rolling cooler full of wine, Bailey's, pre-mixed margaritas...none of which anyone even opened all weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'd so much rather drive than fly lately. The tiny bottle thing is such an effort. It's so much easier just to grab the shampoo and toothpaste from your home bathroom.
Haha that's funny!! I agree, it's so much easier to pack the full sized products!
DeleteHave you ever seen the show "Friends"? The way you do that list, then divide it into pre, during and post race reminds me of this character named Monica...
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the show but I've heard a lot about it! :D
Deletevery infomative
ReplyDeletevery helpful
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